With melody running through their veins, Stephanie McAlister and Erika Tolano have dedicated their lives to musical pursuits. Together, they are the driving force behind Canberra’s National Opera, bringing the highest standard of operatic performance to the capital in accessible and innovative ways.

Tell us about your career path. What led you to where you are now?

SM: “I completed a Bachelor of Music with Honours in vocal performance as well as tertiary studies in drama and a speech and drama licentiate from Trinity College of London. I have performed professionally and with amateur companies throughout my life. I have simultaneously studied and built a career in adult learning, human resources and business, and had a family.”

ET: “My life’s passion is Opera. After extensive studies to a postgraduate level, both locally and overseas, and working with our national company, life took a different turn – as is so often the case for women. I have enjoyed a rewarding career in the public service with the opportunity to travel and represent Australia internationally, and am also the proud mother of a caring and creative teenager.”

What inspired you to join the National Opera?

SM: “I am inspired by artists of all forms who continue to strive to perfect their art in a society where sport has greater value in terms of investment, yet everyone turns to the arts in times of crisis, such as COVID, bushfire appeals, etc.”

What are your organisation’s key strengths?

SM: “National Opera not only contributes to the professional arts scene in Canberra by providing paid work for Canberra artists of all forms, we bring internationally renowned Australians to Canberra who are at the top of their game in the world of Opera.”

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

ET: “The most rewarding part of my job would have to be seeing a major production take the stage!”

To find out more about National Opera’s upcoming productions, visit nationalopera.org.au

For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.